Messages

You can get a knife too sharp.  In simplest terms, you get the two edges of the knife, to such a THIN point, that the edge disintegrates, while you use it.

There have been several posts on this, via trial by Tomato's (something that shouldn't really wear out a knifes edge).
http://forum.tormek.com/index.php?topic=1588.msg6595#msg6595

Well i'm going to use it, but if it is overkill to use the grind stone everytime why would i do it?. And that is the question in a nutshell. Is it needed, and how ofte, not IF it is needed .  If money is not a object get the knifes sharpende some where else and just pay the man.

It is needed.  How often, will depend on the tools.  A great old post by our old forum admin:
http://forum.tormek.com/index.php?topic=41.msg0#new

Why, to fracture the stone to the 1000 grit, and clean particulates from it. Example from another post: http://forum.tormek.com/index.php?topic=47.0

In other posts, recently, there has been some discussion about that stone, verses the leather wheel and compound.  (very similar grits)
Use of that stone, means skipping the leather wheel, and is a polishing stone, verses a grinding stone (you would have to use it on the knives, frequently, and it won't do chips).  Where I saw it recommended, was for use on things like Sushi knives (and I know a Japanese chef and German chef, so I know there are some different needs).  I would love one of those stones to try, honestly but I think it is just a want, no where near need (or even worth it for my uses).

And now for Scythe sharpening on the Tormek......

Also good defense against tigers.

This is where Ken and I disagree, and I believe it to be because we are both playing mind reader.  (all we have is what you have posted, and it can be read both ways)
He views you as not having confidence in your equipment, I view your lack of confidence as a lack of use/experience with the equipment. (want to make sure before using)
Please consider basing your decision on whichever is more accurate!

Did Jeff sell his company, or just retire?  (his company still sells Tormek, if he didn't sell it)
I know he stopped posting as him and when Stickan took over normal duties, Jeff (pretty sure) just has posted since as Admin.  (Feb of this year)
So he is no longer a demonstrator, but still I believe has some ties.  I thought I remembered something about retirement, which I hope he is enjoying.

I disagree with Ken!  It is too easy for us to just throw other peoples money at this issue, rather then what it really needs, their time.

http://forum.tormek.com/index.php?topic=178.msg519#msg519

If you find someone or someplace that will swap you the unused SB for an SG, then I would say go for it.  That said, Jeff Farris the former main moderator, still member (but doesn't post as much), said the stones minimum usable diameter is 7"  (aprox 178mm) so you have a way to go on it.
If you have the angle setting tool you should be able to get the correct angle on your chisels, so IMHO, you would just be throwing money at a new stone and that would make you feel like your just wasting more money, then learning how to use the system.  In my view, you would be better off with either a garage sale chisel, or buying another chisel instead, to LEARN and spend machine time with, rather then the ones you rely on day in and out for work.  Learn first before you learn on something your being paid to do.
This isn't something you just are automatically able to do, any more then you were able to cut with less then a business card's error, without practice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZTke08xWvc

The stone was more about how it verses the other stone, works on different metals (current ones verses the tool steels of yesteryear).  What materials are the chisels made from?

If you have the T7 and not a 2000 (green) model, you already have the XB on your unit.  The XB has two functions;  One is as a replacement, for those green 2000 models that had one knob (some people felt it wasn't sufficient and the bar might move), the other is to give a mount point to use the Tormek bar, with a bench grinder, so you have remove more material, quickly, for initial shaping on a turning tool (store bought, or home made/specialty).

I never used the non micro adjust one yet.  I just kept it for the possible bench grinder, first shaping.
A micro adjust one was also with  my setup.

This might be better as its own topic, but this also links into this.  I still have the original, non threaded bar for my 2000, and I was wondering for those that have done it, how much use do you get out of the knob, when using the bar with a bench grinder?
Slowly working my way towards turning.

Sounds like you may have a high spot on the chisel already.  Put a flat edge across it to see; if you do you won't get tip to heel. (new tools can have high spots, so can poorly maintained old ones)

Three sides tend to tilt up towards that end, where you keep the towel, and that keeps you putting it in the same place.  I figured in most cases, once through a bit of learning, you shouldn't be getting water everywhere, it seemed like a logical thing to me.

Anyone else still hand wash dishes?  Seems to me the mat for the dish rack, is the way to go here, if you need one.  I was given a stainless steel counter section, that is basically designed for one appliance in a portable kitchen.  I am building a stand for it and won't worry about water overflow.
For me, the lazy susan they sell was more worth it, due to its low size, locking and stopping me from picking up the Tormek when my back is tweaked as it has been all week.

If your buying second hand, buy local!  I've read a few stories that make me wonder, as some seem to ship it with the stone attached, which seems like a good way to damage something.
Bargains can be had (picked up mine with the turners kit for under $200), but they can be overpriced as well (seen an older square frame model on CL locally for $500), and you will have to judge condition as well as what you need to bring it up to your happy place.  (for me it was the hand tool kit, although I had a few jigs already, the new shaft, water tray, Turning setter and dvd.

I have been off the net for a few days.  You did remove the sleeve that gets shipped on the machine to put the stone on?
Do you still have the DVD that should have been with the machine?  I looked for the video's from the older 2000 model but I don't find them online (really wish they would post the setup video's for the machines).  That should go into using a wrench/spanner with the stone.
Grabbing the stone to loosen or tighten it, only happened to be recommended, AFTER they introduced the left hand thread/EZ lock nut.

The new shaft they talk about with the EZ lock nut:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX96a9WoAJE